More for Your Money

In this episode of More for Your Money, John Berkley and Sheena Hanson discuss the "uncommon cents" approach to retirement. They contrast the complex investment "bucket theory" with their simplified single-portfolio strategy. The hosts also critique Department of Labor fiduciary regulations, noting how administrative rules can increase consumer costs. Real-world highlights include resolving poorly documented estates and navigating 64% premium hikes in long-term care insurance. By prioritizing listening over numbers, the team demonstrates how local, independent advisors help Rock County retirees manage complex financial transitions with confidence.

John Berkley discusses the strong 2026 market kickoff, highlighting significant gains in the Dow and Russell 2000 as the market broadens beyond the "Magnificent 7". Special guest Patrick Smith, owner of Visiting Angels, examines the growing preference for non-medical home care as a way to age at home. The episode provides a deep dive into long-term care insurance, covering the impact of the 1996 HIPAA Act, strategies for activating benefits, and navigating elimination periods to ensure policies function as assets rather than liabilities.

Special Guest: Patrick Smith.

In this episode of More for Your Money, John Berkley and the investment committee review 2025, noting S&P 500 total returns reached 17.8% and gold surged 64%. Transitioning into 2026, the team shares "guesses" for the year; Greg targets an S&P of 6,300, while Todd forecasts a 50% market decline and $6,000 gold. The discussion explores dollar devaluation, gold’s role as an inflation "measuring stick," and weighting portfolios toward energy and non-US stocks. Grounded in math and history, the team prepares listeners for a volatile year.

Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.

In this episode of "More for Your Money," host John Berkley discusses navigating a market entering its third consecutive year of double-digit returns. Acting as an "idea factory," Berkley explores the "nuts and bolts" of complex financial products, emphasizing the necessity of auditing annuity contracts for hidden fees and missing beneficiaries. He details specialized tax strategies, including Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) and managing distributions within the 12% marginal tax bracket to capitalize on 0% federal capital gains. Citing Dalbar research, Berkeley warns against emotional investing, urging listeners to plan for a retirement that feels like a "perpetual snow day".

Join host John Berkley for a weekly market recap before diving into a history lesson on financial legends from the 1920s and 30s. The episode explores the lives of William Durant and Jesse Livermore, analyzing the risks of high-leverage margin debt and the infamous "Rascub’s Folly". Berkeley clarifies the critical difference between a market crash and a depression, citing the historical impact of monetary policy. By sharing timeless wisdom from Phil Karee and Lucian Hooper, the show emphasizes that patience and a long-term perspective are the true keys to success. Ultimately, because human nature remains constant, Wall Street never truly changes.

This episode features the Investment Committee discussing the mixed market data and the potential rotation from growth stocks (like the MAG 7) to value stocks and the broader market (Russell 2000). The hosts explore current market valuations, noting the stock market is expensive with double-digit returns baked into current prices. A major theme is the hosts' commitment to long-term value investing, emphasizing the discipline to focus on data and math over the distracting "soap opera" narrative surrounding the Federal Reserve, despite recent dovish statements and changes in the federal funds rate. They also examine gold as a way to preserve long-term purchasing power in an inflationary environment, arguing it reflects the dollar's decline rather than just market movement. The conversation concludes by referencing the emotional lessons and high margin debt levels noted in the historical book 1929.

Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.

John Berkley and Krista Berkley clarify the critical differences between fee-based and commission-based advisory models. The discussion emphasizes that understanding how your advisor is compensated and the underlying investment expenses is crucial, as the best platform—whether buy-and-hold commission or ongoing fee management—depends entirely on the client's needs and investment goals.

Special Guest: Krista Berkley.

John Berkley discusses a strong market week before focusing on the major complexity added by a new Wisconsin state tax law. The law exempts up to $24,000 in retirement distributions per person (age 67 or older) from state tax. This significantly alters the decision to convert to a Roth IRA, as paying conversion taxes now means forfeiting the future state tax exemption on distributions. The discussion also covered year-end tax loss selling and complex estate planning issues, highlighting how the growing intricacy of tax and investment laws necessitates the help of a financial advisor.

The More for Your Money panel reviewed a volatile week where all four major indexes declined, noting "mixed signals" indicative of a battle between bulls and bears. Guest Todd asserted that the market, by nearly every metric, is currently a bubble built on credit and debt, drawing historical parallels to 1929. A major concern discussed was liquidity risk, specifically identifying private equity/credit as a "hidden evil" due to its lack of regulation and transparency compared to public markets. The panel also debated a listener query regarding the risk of the federal government taking equity stakes in private strategic companies (like Intel) while managing massive national debt.

Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.

Guest Bob Clapper, a collector car expert, provides a pulse on the automotive market, which serves as a leading economic indicator. Clapper discusses his career shift from nearly 40 years in the retail car business to focusing on collector car sales and vintage restoration through his dealership, Clapper Motorcars.